Victoria-grown comedian introducing Cedric the Entertainer

The many faces of Cedric

Since making his first television appearance on "It's Showtime at the Apollo" in the early '90s, Cedric the Entertainer has conquered Hollywood in countless TV and movie roles. Here are some of our favorites.

Maurice, 'Madagascar' (2005)

We'd like to point to Cedric as one of the reasons why the laugh-out-loud lemurs in this kiddie flick stole the entire movie and it's subsequent sequels.

Eddie, 'Barbershop' (2002)

Cedric had some of the best lines (none that can be repeated here) in this instantly classic Ice Cube-fronted movie as the old, crass Eddie.

Jericho Freeman, 'The Boondocks' (2007) Cedric makes a visit to this "Adult Swim" cult show as a Katrina-affected cousin who raises hell around his family's home. When FEMA comes calling Jericho makes his exit.

SOURCE: Internet Movie Database (imdb.com)

IF YOU GO

• WHAT: Cedric the Entertainer comedy show

• WHERE: Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive

• WHEN: 7-10 p.m. Saturday

• COST: Tickets range from $30-$100

After Party

• WHAT: Cedric the Entertainer after party

• WHERE: Two Step, 4106 Houston Highway

• WHEN: 10:30 p.m.-Closing Saturday

• COST: Cover charge begins at $10

From Victoria to Houston and Houston to Los Angeles, Thea Vidale knows what it takes to make small town go big - and she has her sights on doing just that for Victoria.

First on her list is Cedric the Entertainer, known offstage as Cedric Kyles, who is taking over the Victoria Fine Arts Center on Saturday.

Cedric is being brought to Victoria through promoters Frank Salazar and Mario L. Garcia, with Salazar and Da Le Shine Promotions.

However Vidale is introducing the comedian, who is best known for his work in "Barbershop," "The Steve Harvey Show" and "The Original Kings of Comedy."

Vidale, a comedian, has worked with Cedric only a couple of times in the past, but believes his comedy is one that will capture the Crossroads' adult audience.

"We are growing by leaps and bounds," Vidale said. "I asked myself one day, 'What if I could bring Hollywood here?"

Vidale said her experience outside of Victoria has shed light on the potential the city has to become somewhat of an entertainment hub.

As the city begins to flourish because of Eagle Ford Shale and Caterpillar, so should its entertainment venues - Vidale wants to be part of this change.

"We've got people coming from New York, Los Angeles," she said. "They're used to the big city. We can give it to them."

Cedric, she said, can be that catalyst.

"I just love his work," she said. "I mean, we're not buddy buddy, but I've even been offered Chris Tucker."

Cedric's comedy focuses on making racy jokes on current events, and at times, controversial topics and stereotypes like gays and politics.

How well Cedric does in Victoria will determine just what kind of big names the Crossroads can see in 2013.

Aside from Tucker, Vidale has her eyes set on comedians like Lisa Lampanelli and even musicians, she said.

If bringing a headlining entertainer to Victoria isn't enough, Vidale has even set up an after party for Cedric at Two Step, which she hopes will be filled to capacity.

Her hope is to have Crossroads residents feel a real connection and love for the city, and to perhaps, one day, tell stories to their children of some of the celebrities they've met.

"This is about bringing something different to Victoria," she said. "Entertainment does not segregate us, it brings us together. I want Victoria to have the best."